Meta fans are in an uproar as the company announces the end of support for the original Meta Quest headset, set to cease receiving bug fixes and security updates by August 31, 2024.

Beloved for its groundbreaking capabilities in the VR world since its release in 2019, users are disheartened and concerned about security vulnerabilities. While Meta hints at this being a strategic move to pave the way for newer models like the Meta Quest 3 and the speculated Meta Quest 3S, the outcry among dedicated users highlights their attachment to the original device.

A Great Tragedy: Meta Fans Outraged as Beloved Creation is Killed

The Announcement Heard Around the World

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, recently dropped a bombshell. They announced that support for the original Meta Quest headset would be ending as of August 31, 2024. This means no more bug fixes, no more security updates, and a growing sense of insecurity for loyal users. You might be wondering, what drove such a beloved product to this unforeseen conclusion?

The Emails That Sparked Outrage

In an email to original Meta Quest owners, the company informed them of the upcoming termination of support. The email carried a stark warning: users could continue to download and use apps as long as they are supported by individual developers. However, any future security vulnerabilities would put private data stored on or accessible from the device at risk (see table on right).

Social Media Explodes in Confusion and Outrage

The announcement left Meta fans in turmoil, sparking a torrent of emotional reactions across social media platforms. Users voiced their frustrations and shared their stories about what the Meta Quest meant to them.

Reddit Reactions:

• "A great tragedy befalls this day."

• "I understand bug fixes, but no security patches? Come on."

• "This is really too bad - I am still enjoying using my Quest, I see how much nicer the new ones are but I can't afford a new one. I feel like Meta should do at least the bare minimum of fixing security holes for older hardware."

A Closer Look at Meta's Decision

The termination of support didn't come out of the blue. Meta initially gave hints back in January 2023 when they stopped releasing new features and apps for the headset. Let’s explore the timeline that led us to this point.

The Technological Legacy of Meta Quest

The Meta Quest launched in 2019, initially branded as the Oculus Quest. This headset revolutionized VR technology by offering positional tracking and six degrees of freedom. Previously, VR headsets were limited to three degrees of freedom.

It allows movements in:

• Forward/backward

• Up/down

• Left/right

• Pitch (rotating up and down)

• Yaw (rotating left and right)

• Roll (tilting left and right)

This was quite a leap forward and cemented the Meta Quest as a pioneering product in the VR space.

The Bigger Picture: Previous Discontinuations

Meta’s decision to kill support for older VR tools isn't unprecedented. The company had previously discontinued the Oculus Go in 2020 but continued to support it through 2022. Historical data suggests a pattern of phasing out older models to make room for new products.

The Future: A New Era of VR

While saying goodbye to the old, Meta is paving the way for new products like the Meta Quest 3 and the rumored Meta Quest 3S. These advanced mixed-reality headsets promise groundbreaking MR experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds seamlessly.

What is Mixed Reality?

Mixed Reality (MR) is not just a buzzword; it’s the future of immersive technology. It combines elements of both Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) to create an interactive user experience.

The Meta Quest 3 and Beyond

The Meta Quest 3, launched in October 2023, is where Meta wants to direct its user base. It allows for activities like playing a virtual piano on your coffee table or opening a virtual portal in your living room. The rumored Quest 3S, potentially a more affordable version of the Quest 3, has been fed by accidental announcements within Meta’s ecosystem.

Official Statements and Teasers

Meta has been clear about its future ambitions despite current user unrest. In a recent email to users, they expressed excitement about the future of Meta Quest and pointed towards more revolutionary experiences in the pipeline.

The Reaction of the Tech Community

As expected, the tech community has not taken this news lightly. Tech news outlets and experts have weighed in on Meta’s decision, weighing both the pros and cons.